Defoe scores hat-trick as England beat Bulgaria 4-0

LONDON - Striker Jermain Defoe scored a hat-trick as England started their road to recovery after a disappointing World Cup with victory against Bulgaria in their opening Euro 2012 qualifier at Wembley.

Defoe established the foundations with an early goal and added a second just after the hour as the home side beat Bulgaria.

Manchester City’s Adam Johnson, on as a substitute for Theo Walcott, ended any slim hopes of a Bulgarian revival with England’s third and his first goal for his country before Defoe completed his treble with a powerful drive four minutes from time.

Defoe limped off after picking up an injury as he scored his third goal, but manager Fabio Capello expects him to recover in time for Tuesday’s game in Switzerland, The BBC reports.

Ace striker Wayne Rooney was a central figure in England’s goals, despite occasionally appearing to be out of favour with the home support.

Rooney had occasionally felt the impatience of the 73,246 at Wembley, but he demonstrated his enduring quality with a 20-yard chip four minutes after the interval that forced Mihaylov into a scrambling save to turn his effort over the top. (ANI)